YAC Will Go Down as One of the Best Experiences of My Life

Today’s guest post is written by Clay Hurdle, a member of the inaugural generationOn National Youth Advisory Council. He is a 12th grade homeschooler who is associated with numerous organizations and service movements within his community. Two of his main projects are B.A.S.E. (Bilingual Adventures in Spanish and English), a bilingual reading program for children, and Post Cards and Peanuts for Patriots, an annual remembrance program for the victims of 9/11 and U.S. servicemen and servicewomen defending our nation’s freedom overseas. In the fall 2012, he will begin his first year at the University of Florida.

The day that I was selected to be on generationOn’s National Youth Advisory Council (YAC) was life-changing. Although I didn’t know at the time, I was about to embark on a journey that would foster in me a sense to overstep my personal boundaries in service work, introduce me to the global service sphere and partner me with the best youth volunteers in our country.

Being a member of the YAC will go down as one of the best experiences of my life. The YAC is beneficial for any youth who are willing to enhance their project work, leadership skills and creativity. You will not only be encouraged, but also challenged to grow throughout your term. GenerationOn is a phenomenal organization and having worked closely with its employees and always having its philosophies in mind, I count myself a part of an electrifying movement that has the vital concept of “the power of youth to change the world for the better” as its core focus. I am proud and privileged to have been a part of this organization and YAC.

The YAC has also given me the opportunity to become friends with some of the most innovative youth volunteers in the United States and the world. Being in the same room or on a conference call with them is a truly rewarding experience. As a volunteer and person, I have learned much from their ideas and experiences. They have greatly enriched my thought process with their positive insight. I greatly value my time with them as colleagues and, more importantly, as lifelong friends.

In the end, this is just my story. You as a youth volunteer, ready to make a positive change in the world, can attain your own story as a member of the generationOn National Youth Advisory Council. President George H. W. Bush said, “I take as my guide the hope of a saint: in crucial things, unity– in important things, diversity– in all things, generosity.” With these words in mind I challenge you, as generationOn and the Youth Advisory Council have challenged me, to be inspired and make your mark on this world as a part of the next 2012 generationOn Youth Advisory Council!

The generationOn Youth Advisory Council is made possible through the generous support of the Hasbro Children’s Fund. Applications are being accepted from Tuesday, March 13th, 10:00 a.m. EDT through Tuesday, April 10th, 5:00 p.m. EDT. To learn more or to apply, click here.  If you know of a young person who would make a great leader, spread the word!